Nissan gears up for FIA GT programme

Nissan will run a racing GT-R in four FIA GT Championship events in Europe this year in preparation for a full assault on the series in 2010

German Michael Krumm and Englishman Darren Turner will drive the car which Nissan’s motorsport arm, Nismo, will run in a joint venture with British outfit Gigawave Motorsport which has contested the FIA GT Championship since 2007.

In Japan, the GT-R will race in the GT500 class of the Super GT championship, with Nismo, Hasemi Motorsport, Team Impul and Kondo Racing each fielding a car.

The 2009 GT-R race cars incorporate changes that include an improved air-cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission.

They also have revised bodywork to meet regulations designed to decrease aerodynamic downforce by shortening vehicle overhang.

Nissan executive vice-president, Carlos Tavares, says motorsport is “an important part of Nissan’s strategy for building a strong brand with consumers who share our passion for high-performance driving.

“In addition to being an important touch-point for consumers, motorsports serve as a dynamic proving ground for automotive innovation.”